Connection mechanisms in absorbent articles for body fluid signaling devices

ABSTRACT

Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants, incontinenceproducts, feminine hygiene products, swim undergarments, and the likeconventionally include a liquid permeable body-side liner, a liquidimpermeable outer cover, and an absorbent core. The absorbent core istypically located in between the outer cover and the liner for taking inand retaining liquids (e.g., urine) exuded by the wearer.

The absorbent core can be made of, for instance, superabsorbentparticles. Many absorbent particles, especially those sold under thetradename HUGGIES™ by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, are so efficientat absorbing liquids that it is sometimes difficult to tell whether ornot the absorbent article has been insulted with a body fluid.

Accordingly, various types of moisture or wetness indicators have beensuggested for use in absorbent articles. The wetness indicators mayinclude alarm devices that are designed to assist parents or attendantsidentify a wet diaper condition early on. The devices produce either avisual or an audible signal.

In some embodiments, for instance, inexpensive conductive threads orfoils have been placed in the absorbent articles in the machinedirection. The conductive materials serve as conductive leads for asignaling device and form an open circuit in the article that can beclosed when a body fluid, such as urine, closes the circuit. In theseembodiments, although the absorbent articles may be disposable, thesignaling devices are not. Thus, the signaling devices are intended tobe removed from the article and reattached to a subsequent article.

Problems, however, have been encountered in designing an attachmentmechanism for the signaling device that does not appreciably increasethe cost of the absorbent article but allows for a very reliableattachment of the signaling device to the conductive leads. Further,problems have been experienced in designing an attachment mechanism thatcan be incorporated into the absorbent article during high speedmanufacturing processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved attachmentmechanisms for attaching signaling devices to disposable absorbentarticles. The signaling device, for instance, may be configured toindicate to a user that a body fluid is present in the absorbentarticle. For example, in one embodiment, the absorbent article comprisesa diaper and the signaling device is configured to indicate the presenceof urine or of a bowel movement. In other embodiments, however, thesignaling device may be configured to indicate the presence of yeast ormetabolites depending upon the particular type of absorbent article thatis used in conjunction with the signaling device.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article of the present inventionincludes conductive leads that extend, for instance, in the longitudinaldirection of the article. The conductive leads can be made fromrelatively inexpensive materials and therefore can be disposable withthe absorbent article. The signaling device, however, may be configuredto be reused multiple times. Thus, the present disclosure is directed toa simple and efficient manner of attaching the signaling device to theabsorbent article so that there is an electrical connection between theconductive leads and the signaling device.

In one particular embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a chassisincluding an outer cover having an interior surface and an exteriorsurface. An absorbent structure is positioned adjacent to the interiorsurface of the outer cover. If desired, a liquid permeable body-sideliner may also be incorporated into the chassis on the opposite side ofthe absorbent structure. The chassis may include a crotch regionpositioned in between a front region and a back region. The front regionand the back region may define a waist region therebetween.

First and second conductive elements may be contained in the chassis.The conductive elements may be made from, for instance, a conductivethread or a conductive foil, and may extend from the waist region to atleast the crotch region of the chassis without intersecting. Theseconductive elements can form a simple open circuit (for wetness sensingfor example) or can be connected to a sensor(s) for sensing temperature,chemical constituents, microbes or other physical or environmentalconditions.

A first conductive pad member may be electrically connected to the firstconductive element and a second conductive pad member may beelectrically connected to the second conductive element. The conductivepad members, in one embodiment, may be positioned below at least onelayer of material that forms part of the outer cover. By beingpositioned below at least one material layer, the conductive pad membersare protected. Further, placing the pad members below at least one layerof material in the outer cover also facilitates commercial production ofthe absorbent article.

In general, the size of the conductive pad members may vary dependingupon the particular application. The pad members, for example, may haveany size sufficient to facilitate an electrical connection with acorresponding signaling device. For exemplary purposes only, forinstance, the surface area of the pad members may be at least about 0.5cm², at least about 1 cm², at least about 2 cm², and, in one embodiment,at least about 3 cm². The pad members are each configured toelectrically connect to a signaling device. For instance, when a bodyfluid is present between the first and second conductive elements, theopen circuit between the conductive elements is closed for activating asignaling device attached to the pad members.

The conductive pad members can be made from various different materialsdepending upon the particular embodiment. For instance, in oneembodiment, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material. Inthis embodiment, for instance, the pad members may comprise a conductivenonwoven or a conductive woven material, such as a knitted material. Theloop-type material may be made conductive, for instance, byincorporating a conductive material such as carbon into the fibers.Alternatively, the loop-type material may be coated with a conductivematerial, such as a metal. In still another embodiment, the loop-typematerial may be made from conductive threads.

When the pad members comprise a loop-type material, the signaling devicemay include a pair of corresponding terminals that comprise a conductivehook-type material. In this manner, the signaling device may form a hookand loop attachment with the pad members. If the pad members are presenton the surface of the chassis, the signaling device may be directlyattached to the pad members.

In an alternative embodiment, the pad members may be located below atleast one layer of material on the chassis. The material positioned overthe pad members may comprise a loop-type material capable of forming ahook and loop attachment with a conductive hook-type material located onthe signaling device. The at least one layer of material may also berelatively porous. In this embodiment, the hooks on the signaling devicemay engage and attach to the layer of material positioned over the padmembers. The layer of material, however, may also be sufficiently porousto allow the hooks to penetrate through the material and make anelectrical connection with the pad members. In this embodiment, the padmembers can be made from any suitable electrically conductive material.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the firstand second terminals on the signaling device may comprise a pair ofopposing plates that include a pair of conductive prongs. The opposingplates may be pivotally connected together along a hinge. In thismanner, the plates can be placed over an edge of the chassis and broughttogether causing the prongs to penetrate through at least a portion ofthe chassis and to make an electrical connection with the first andsecond conductive pad members respectively. In this embodiment, the padmembers can be made from various materials. For instance, in addition tocomprising a woven or nonwoven material as described above, the padmembers may comprise a film, such as a metal foil or a conductivepolymer film such as a conductive mylar film. The pad members may alsocomprise a conductive ink or adhesive.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, each of the padmembers are connected to a conductive tab that is present on the surfaceof the chassis. The signaling device, on the other hand, can includecorresponding slots for receiving the conductive tabs and for making anelectrical connection between the signaling device and the first andsecond pad members.

In one embodiment, the chassis may include more than two conductiveelements. For instance, the chassis may include a third conductiveelement that extends into the back region of the chassis and a fourthconductive element that extends into the front region of the chassis.The third conductive element may be connected to a third conductive padmember while the fourth conductive element may be connected to a fourthconductive pad member. Similarly, the signaling device may include fourcorresponding terminals. In this embodiment, the multiple conductiveelements may be used to indicate not only that a body fluid is present,but where the body fluid is located. For instance, if the body fluid isonly located in the front region of the chassis, the conductive elementsmay be configured so that only the circuit between the first conductiveelement and the fourth conductive element is closed. In this embodiment,the signaling device may be configured to inform the user where the bodyfluid is positioned.

The signaling device itself may comprise a single unit that attaches tothe absorbent article. Alternatively, the signaling device may include atransmitter that attaches to the absorbent article and a receiver thatis configured to receive a wireless signal from the transmitter. Thereceiver, for instance, may indicate to a user that a body fluid hasinsulted the absorbent article remote from the article itself.

The signaling device may be configured to indicate the presence of abody fluid in various ways. For example, the signaling device may emit avisible alarm and/or an audible alarm. In still another embodiment, thesignaling device may be configured to vibrate when a body fluid issensed.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed ingreater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth moreparticularly in the remainder of the specification, including referenceto the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of an absorbentarticle made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the absorbent article illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 with thearticle in an unfastened, unfolded and laid flat condition showing thesurface of the article that faces away from the wearer;

FIG. 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 showing the surface of theabsorbent article that faces the wearer when worn and with portions cutaway to show underlying features;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 furtherincluding one embodiment of a signaling device;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of an absorbent article madein accordance with the present invention illustrating the article in anunfastened, unfolded and laid flat condition illustrating the surface ofthe article that faces away from the wearer;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for a signaling device to the absorbent article in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of an attachment mechanism for attaching asignaling device to an absorbent article in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is still another embodiment of an attachment mechanism forattaching a signaling device to an absorbent article in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an attachmentmechanism for attaching a signaling device to an absorbent article inaccordance with the present invention.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, andis not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

The present disclosure is generally directed to absorbent articlesadapted to be attached to a signaling device that may be configured toindicate the presence of a body fluid in the absorbent article or otherchanges in the condition of the product or wearer. The absorbent articlemay be, for instance, a diaper, a training pant, an incontinenceproduct, a feminine hygiene product, a medical garment, a bandage, andthe like. Absorbent articles made according to the present disclosureinclude an open circuit that becomes closed when a conductive fluid,such as a body fluid, is sensed in between a pair of conductive leads.Generally, the absorbent articles containing the open circuit aredisposable meaning that they are designed to be discarded after alimited use rather than being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse.

The open circuit contained within the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure is configured to be attached to a signaling device. Thesignaling device can provide power to the open circuit while alsoincluding some type of audible and/or visible signal that indicates tothe user the presence of a body fluid. Although the absorbent articleitself is disposable, the signaling device may be reusable from articleto article. In this regard, the present disclosure is particularlydirected to different types of attachment mechanisms that allow easyconnection between the open circuit in the absorbent article and thesignaling device. For example, the open circuit contained in theabsorbent article may include conductive pad members that have arelatively large surface area in relation to the materials used toconstruct the remainder of the open circuit. Pad members can beconstructed of different materials and can be positioned not only tomake an easy connection to the signaling device but also can beincorporated into the absorbent article at the rapid machine speeds thatare needed in order to manufacture the articles.

The conductive pad members, for instance, in one embodiment may comprisea conductive loop-type material that is adapted to be connected to aconductive hook-type material disposed on the signaling device or viceversus. Alternatively, the conductive pad members may comprise aconductive film or other similar material and may be engageable by aprong or a conductive tab for connection to the signaling device.

As described above, the open circuit in combination with the signalingdevice may be configured to indicate the presence of a body fluidcontained within the absorbent article. The particular targeted bodyfluid may vary depending upon the particular type of absorbent articleand the desired application. For instance, in one embodiment, theabsorbent article comprises a diaper, a training pant, or the like andthe signaling device is configured to indicate the presence of urine.Alternatively, the signaling device may be configured to indicate thepresence of a metabolite that would indicate the presence of a diaperrash. For adult incontinence products and feminine hygiene products, onthe other hand, the signaling device may be configured to indicate thepresence of a yeast or of a particular constituent in urine, such as apolysaccharide.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, for exemplary purposes, an absorbent article20 that may be made in accordance with the present invention is shown.The absorbent article 20 may or may not be disposable. It is understoodthat the present invention is suitable for use with various otherabsorbent articles intended for personal wear, including but not limitedto diapers, training pants, swim pants, feminine hygiene products,incontinence products, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages,other personal care or health care garments, and the like withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

By way of illustration only, various materials and methods forconstructing absorbent articles such as the diaper 20 of the variousaspects of the present invention are disclosed in PCT Patent ApplicationWO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al; U.S. Pat. No.4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., and U.S. Pat. No.6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Olson et al. which are incorporatedherein by reference to the extent they are consistent (i.e., not inconflict) herewith.

A diaper 20 is representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 in a partiallyfastened condition. The diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is alsorepresented in FIGS. 3 and 4 in an opened and unfolded state.Specifically, FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the exterior side ofthe diaper 20, while FIG. 4 illustrates the interior side of the diaper20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the diaper 20 defines a longitudinaldirection 48 that extends from the front of the article when worn to theback of the article. Opposite to the longitudinal direction 48 is alateral direction 49.

The diaper 20 defines a pair of longitudinal end regions, otherwisereferred to herein as a front region 22 and a back region 24, and acenter region, otherwise referred to herein as a crotch region 26,extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and backregions 22, 24. The diaper 20 also defines an inner surface 28 adaptedin use (e.g., positioned relative to the other components of the article20) to be disposed toward the wearer, and an outer surface 30 oppositethe inner surface. The front and back regions 22, 24 are those portionsof the diaper 20, which when worn, wholly or partially cover or encirclethe waist or mid-lower torso of the wearer. The crotch region 26generally is that portion of the diaper 20 which, when worn, ispositioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lower torso andcrotch of the wearer. The absorbent article 20 has a pair of laterallyopposite side edges 36 and a pair of longitudinally opposite waistedges, respectively designated front waist edge 38 and back waist edge39.

The illustrated diaper 20 includes a chassis 32, that, in thisembodiment, encompasses the front region 22, the back region 24, and thecrotch region 26. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the chassis 32 includes anouter cover 40 and a bodyside liner 42 (FIGS. 1 and 4) that may bejoined to the outer cover 40 in a superimposed relation therewith byadhesives, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds or other conventionaltechniques. Referring to FIG. 4, the liner 42 may suitably be joined tothe outer cover 40 along the perimeter of the chassis 32 to form a frontwaist seam 62 and a back waist seam 64. As shown in FIG. 4, the liner 42may suitably be joined to the outer cover 40 to form a pair of sideseams 61 in the front region 22 and the back region 24. The liner 42 canbe generally adapted, i.e., positioned relative to the other componentsof the article 20, to be disposed toward the wearer's skin during wearof the absorbent article. The chassis 32 may further include anabsorbent structure 44 particularly shown in FIG. 4 disposed between theouter cover 40 and the bodyside liner 42 for absorbing liquid bodyexudates exuded by the wearer, and may further include a pair ofcontainment flaps 46 secured to the bodyside liner 42 for inhibiting thelateral flow of body exudates.

The elasticized containment flaps 46 as shown in FIG. 4 define apartially unattached edge which assumes an upright configuration in atleast the crotch region 26 of the diaper 20 to form a seal against thewearer's body. The containment flaps 46 can extend longitudinally alongthe entire length of the chassis 32 or may extend only partially alongthe length of the chassis. Suitable constructions and arrangements forthe containment flaps 46 are generally well known to those skilled inthe art and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116 issued Nov. 3, 1987to Enloe, which is incorporated herein by reference.

To further enhance containment and/or absorption of body exudates, thediaper 20 may also suitably include leg elastic members 58 (FIG. 4), asare known to those skilled in the art. The leg elastic members 58 can beoperatively joined to the outer cover 40 and/or the bodyside liner 42and positioned in the crotch region 26 of the absorbent article 20.

The leg elastic members 58 can be formed of any suitable elasticmaterial. As is well known to those skilled in the art, suitable elasticmaterials include sheets, strands or ribbons of natural rubber,synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers. The elasticmaterials can be stretched and adhered to a substrate, adhered to agathered substrate, or adhered to a substrate and then elasticized orshrunk, for example with the application of heat, such that elasticretractive forces are imparted to the substrate. In one particularaspect, for example, the leg elastic members 58 may include a pluralityof dry-spun coalesced multifilament spandex elastomeric threads soldunder the trade name LYCRA and available from Invista, Wilmington, Del.,U.S.A.

In some embodiments, the absorbent article 20 may further include asurge management layer (not shown) which may be optionally locatedadjacent the absorbent structure 44 and attached to various componentsin the article 20 such as the absorbent structure 44 or the bodysideliner 42 by methods known in the art, such as by using an adhesive. Asurge management layer helps to decelerate and diffuse surges or gushesof liquid that may be rapidly introduced into the absorbent structure ofthe article. Desirably, the surge management layer can rapidly acceptand temporarily hold the liquid prior to releasing the liquid into thestorage or retention portions of the absorbent structure. Examples ofsuitable surge management layers are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,486,166; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846. Other suitable surge managementmaterials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,973. The entiredisclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference hereinto the extent they are consistent (i.e., not in conflict) herewith.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the absorbent article 20 further includes a pairof opposing elastic side panels 34 that are attached to the back regionof the chassis 32. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sidepanels 34 may be stretched around the waist and/or hips of a wearer inorder to secure the garment in place. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, theelastic side panels are attached to the chassis along a pair of opposinglongitudinal edges 37. The side panels 34 may be attached or bonded tothe chassis 32 using any suitable bonding technique. For instance, theside panels 34 may be joined to the chassis by adhesives, ultrasonicbonds, thermal bonds, or other conventional techniques.

In an alternative embodiment, the elastic side panels may also beintegrally formed with the chassis 32. For instance, the side panels 34may comprise an extension of the bodyside liner 42, of the outer cover40, or of both the bodyside liner 42 and the outer cover 40.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the side panels 34 areconnected to the back region of the absorbent article 20 and extend overthe front region of the article when securing the article in place on auser. It should be understood, however, that the side panels 34 mayalternatively be connected to the front region of the article 20 andextend over the back region when the article is donned.

With the absorbent article 20 in the fastened position as partiallyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic side panels 34 may beconnected by a fastening system 80 to define a 3-dimensional diaperconfiguration having a waist opening 50 and a pair of leg openings 52.The waist opening 50 of the article 20 is defined by the waist edges 38and 39 which encircle the waist of the wearer.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the side panels are releasablyattachable to the front region 22 of the article 20 by the fasteningsystem. It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments theside panels may be permanently joined to the chassis 32 at each end. Theside panels may be permanently bonded together, for instance, whenforming a training pant or absorbent swimwear.

The elastic side panels 34 each have a longitudinal outer edge 68, a legend edge 70 disposed toward the longitudinal center of the diaper 20,and waist end edges 72 disposed toward a longitudinal end of theabsorbent article. The leg end edges 70 of the absorbent article 20 maybe suitably curved and/or angled relative to the lateral direction 49 toprovide a better fit around the wearer's legs. However, it is understoodthat only one of the leg end edges 70 may be curved or angled, such asthe leg end edge of the back region 24, or alternatively, neither of theleg end edges may be curved or angled, without departing from the scopeof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer edges 68 aregenerally parallel to the longitudinal direction 48 while the waist endedges 72 are generally parallel to the transverse axis 49. It should beunderstood, however, that in other embodiments the outer edges 68 and/orthe waist edges 72 may be slanted or curved as desired. Ultimately, theside panels 34 are generally aligned with a waist region 90 of thechassis.

The fastening system 80 may include laterally opposite first fasteningcomponents 82 adapted for refastenable engagement to correspondingsecond fastening components 84. In the embodiment shown in the figures,the first fastening component 82 is located on the elastic side panels34, while the second fastening component 84 is located on the frontregion 22 of the chassis 32. In one aspect, a front or outer surface ofeach of the fastening components 82, 84 includes a plurality of engagingelements. The engaging elements of the first fastening components 82 areadapted to repeatedly engage and disengage corresponding engagingelements of the second fastening components 84 to releasably secure thearticle 20 in its three-dimensional configuration.

The fastening components 82, 84 may be any refastenable fastenerssuitable for absorbent articles, such as adhesive fasteners, cohesivefasteners, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In particular aspects thefastening components include mechanical fastening elements for improvedperformance. Suitable mechanical fastening elements can be provided byinterlocking geometric shaped materials, such as hooks, loops, bulbs,mushrooms, arrowheads, balls on stems, male and female matingcomponents, buckles, snaps, or the like.

In the illustrated aspect, the first fastening components 82 includehook fasteners and the second fastening components 84 includecomplementary loop fasteners. Alternatively, the first fasteningcomponents 82 may include loop fasteners and the second fasteningcomponents 84 may be complementary hook fasteners. In another aspect,the fastening components 82, 84 can be interlocking similar surfacefasteners, or adhesive and cohesive fastening elements such as anadhesive fastener and an adhesive-receptive landing zone or material; orthe like. One skilled in the art will recognize that the shape, densityand polymer composition of the hooks and loops may be selected to obtainthe desired level of engagement between the fastening components 82, 84.Suitable fastening systems are also disclosed in the previouslyincorporated PCT Patent Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000by A. Fletcher et al. and the previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No.6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Olson et al.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening components 82 areattached to the side panels 34 along the edges 68. In this embodiment,the fastening components 82 are not elastic or extendable. In otherembodiments, however, the fastening components may be integral with theside panels 34. For example, the fastening components may be directlyattached to the side panels 34 on a surface thereof.

In addition to possibly having elastic side panels, the absorbentarticle 20 may include various waist elastic members for providingelasticity around the waist opening. For example, as shown in thefigures, the absorbent article 20 can include a front waist elasticmember 54 and/or a back waist elastic member 56.

As described above, the present disclosure is particularly directed toincorporating a body fluid indicating system, such as a wetnessindicating system into the absorbent article 20. In this regard, asshown in FIGS. 1-4, the absorbent article 20 includes a first conductiveelement 100 spaced from a second conductive element 102. In thisembodiment, the conductive elements extend from the front region 22 ofthe absorbent article to the back region 24 without intersecting. Theconductive elements 100 and 102 can comprise any suitable conductivematerial, such as a conductive thread or a conductive foil. The firstconductive element 100 does not intersect the second conductive element102 in order to form an open circuit that may be closed, for instance,when a conductive fluid is positioned in between the conductiveelements. In other embodiments, however, the first conductive element100 and the second conductive element 102 may be connected to a sensorwithin the chassis. The sensor may be used to sense changes intemperature or may be used to sense the presence of a particularsubstance, such as a metabolite.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the conductive elements 100 and 102extend the entire length of the absorbent article 20. It should beunderstood, however, that in other embodiments the conductive elementsmay extend only to the crotch region 26 or may extend to any particularplace in the absorbent article where a body fluid is intended to besensed.

The conductive elements 100 and 102 may be incorporated into the chassis32 at any suitable location as long as the conductive elements arepositioned so as to contact a body fluid that is absorbed by theabsorbent article 20. In this regard, the conductive elements 100 and102 generally lie inside the outer cover 40. In fact, in one embodiment,the conductive elements 100 and 102 may be attached or laminated to theinside surface of the outer cover 40 that faces the absorbent structure44. Alternatively, however, the conductive elements 100 and 102 may bepositioned on the absorbent structure 44 or positioned on the liner 42.

In order for the conductive elements 100 and 102 to be easily connectedto a signaling device, the first conductive element 100 is attached to afirst conductive pad member 104, while the second conductive element 102is connected to a second conductive pad member 106. The pad members 104and 106 are provided for making a reliable connection between the opencircuit formed by the conductive elements to a signaling device that isintended to be installed on the chassis by the consumer. In particular,the pad members 104 and 106 create a target zone for attaching thesignaling device and the conductive leads or elements.

In general, the conductive pad members 104 and 106 have a relativelylarge surface area in relation to the conductive elements 100 and 102.For example, the conductive pad members 104 and 106 may have a surfacearea of at least 1 cm², at least 2 cm², and, in one embodiment, at least3 cm². For instance, in one embodiment, the surface area of each padmember may be from about 2 cm² to about 4 cm².

The position of the conductive pad members 104 and 106 on the absorbentarticle 20 can vary depending upon where it is desired to mount thesignaling device. For instance, in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the conductive padmembers 104 and 106 are positioned in the front region 22 along thewaist opening of the article. In FIG. 2, on the other hand, theconductive pad members 104 and 106 are positioned in the back region 24along the waist opening of the article. It should be appreciated,however, that in other embodiments, the absorbent article 20 may includeconductive pad members being positioned at each end of each conductiveelement 100 and 102. In this manner, a user can determine whether or notto install the signaling device on the front or the back of the article.In still other embodiments, it should be understood that the pad membersmay be located along the side of the article or towards the crotchregion of the article.

The position of the conductive pad members 104 and 106 within themultiple layers of the chassis 32 may also vary depending upon where itis desired to connect the signaling device and the type of attachmentmechanism used to make a connection with the signaling device. Asdescribed above, the pad members 104 and 106 are electrically connectedto the conductive elements 100 and 102. Thus, in one embodiment, the padmembers 104 and 106 are positioned below at least one layer of the outercover 40. Positioning the pad members 104 and 106 below at least onelayer of material may provide various advantages in some embodiments.For instance, locating the pad members 104 and 106 below at least onelayer of material within the chassis 32 protects the pad members duringshipping and storage and from forming a short circuit during useespecially if the pad members are located adjacent one another. Anotherbenefit to placing the pad members under at least one layer of materialis the ability to easily manufacture the absorbent article 20 at highmachine speeds.

It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments theconductive pad members 104 and 106 may be positioned at an exteriorsurface of the chassis 32. For instance, the pad members 104 and 106 maybe positioned on the outside surface or on the inside surface asdesired.

Referring to FIG. 5, for exemplary purposes, a signaling device 110 isshown attached to the conductive pad members 104 and 106. As shown, inthis embodiment, the signaling device generally 110 includes atransmitter 112 and a receiver 114. The transmitter 112 includes a pairof opposing terminals that are electrically connected to thecorresponding conductive pad members. When a body fluid is present inthe absorbent article 20, the open circuit formed by the conductiveelements 100 and 102 is closed which, in turn, activates the signalingdevice 110. In particular, in this embodiment, the transmitter 112 sendsa wireless signal to the receiver 114 which then indicates to a userthat a body fluid is present in the absorbent article.

The signaling device 110 can emit an audible signal or a visual signalin order to indicate to the user that the circuit has been closed. Theaudible signal, for instance, may be as simple as one or more beeps toperhaps emitting a musical tune. Similarly, if the signaling device 110issues a visible signal, the visible signal may comprise a few lights oran interactive display. In still another embodiment, the receiver 114 ofthe signaling device 110 may be configured to vibrate when the circuitwithin the absorbent article is closed.

As described above, the signaling device 110 can be configured toindicate the presence of any suitable conductive fluid within theabsorbent article 20. The fluid may comprise, for instance, urine, ametabolite, and the like.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the signaling device 110 includes atransmitter 112 in combination with a receiver 114. It should also beunderstood, however, that the signaling device may comprise a singleunit that remains attached to the absorbent article 20. For example, thesignaling device may be mounted on the absorbent article and issue avisible signal and/or an audible signal from the article itself.

Different attachment mechanisms between the conductive pad members andthe signaling device and the particular construction of the pad memberfor each embodiment will now be described in detail with respect toFIGS. 7-10. In one embodiment, for instance, as shown in FIG. 7, the padmembers 104 and 106 may comprise a conductive loop-type material formaking a hook and loop-type connection with the signaling device. Forexample, as shown, the conductive pad members 104 and 106 comprise aloop-type material, while the signaling device 110 includescorresponding terminals 116 and 118 that comprise a hook-type material.As used herein, a loop-type material refers to any material capable offorming an attachment with a hook-type material. In this embodiment, theconductive pad members 104 and 106 may comprise, for instance, aconductive nonwoven material or a conductive woven material, such as aconductive knitted material. The loop-type material used to form the padmembers may be made electrically conductive using various techniques.For instance, in one embodiment, the loop-like material may be made frompolymer fibers or filaments that contain a conductive material, such ascarbon.

In an alternative embodiment, the loop-type material may be madeconductive by incorporating conductive threads, such as metal threadsand fibers into the formation of the material. In still otherembodiments, the loop-like material may be sputter coated in order torender the material conductive. For instance, the material may besputter coated with silver or copper. In still other embodiments, thepolymers used to form the loop-type material may be doped with aconductive material in any suitable manner in addition to as describedabove.

The hook-type material used to form the terminals 116 and 118 of thesignaling device 110 may also be rendered conductive using any of theabove techniques. In one particular embodiment, for instance, each ofthe hooks contained on the hook-type material may be made from a metal.

Commercially available conductive hook-type material and loop-typematerial may be obtained, for instance, from Fastech of Jacksonville,Fla., which offers hook and loop tapes that are coated with silver.Other conductive hook and loop materials are available from NC StatCorporation, from Bio-Logic Systems Corporation and from VelcroIndustries B.V.

In this embodiment, the conductive pad members 104 and 106 may bepresent at the surface of the absorbent article for making a connectionwith the signaling device. Alternatively, the conductive pad members 104and 106 may be present below the surface. In this embodiment, an openingmay be made in the overlying material in order to make a connection.Alternatively, the overlying material may include perforations or besufficiently porous for a hook and loop attachment to be made throughthe material.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of an attachment mechanism forattaching the conductive pad members 104 and 106 to the terminals 116and 118 on the signaling device 110 is shown. In this embodiment, thepad members 104 and 106 are electrically connected to correspondingconductive tab members 120 and 122. As illustrated, the first terminal116 and the second terminal 118 on the signaling device 110 comprisecorresponding slots or pockets that are configured to receive theconductive tab members 120 and 122. In this manner, electricalconnection is made between the signaling device 110 and the pad members104 and 106.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the conductive pad members 104 and106 are illustrated embedded within the chassis 32. In particular, thepad members 104 and 106 are located below at least one layer ofmaterial. The corresponding conductive tab members 120 and 122, however,penetrate the outer layers to make an electrical contact with the padmembers.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the conductive pad members 104and 106 can be made from various materials. For instance, the padmembers 104 and 106 can be made from any of the materials describedabove with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7.Alternatively, the pad members may comprise other conductive woven ornonwoven fabrics that may not be suitable as a loop-type material.

In addition to woven and nonwoven fabrics, the pad members 104 and 106as shown in FIG. 8 may also comprise a conductive film. For instance,the pad members may comprise a metal foil or an otherwise conductivefilm. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members maycomprise a conductive mylar film. In an alternative embodiment, the padmembers may comprise a conductive ink printed on a layer of materialthat forms the chassis or a conductive adhesive applied to one of thematerials that comprises the chassis.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive padmembers may be embedded within the chassis 32 as shown in FIG. 8.Specifically, the conductive pad members may lie below at least onelayer of material. The material covering the pad members may comprise asuitable loop-type material for making a hook and loop attachment. Forexample, in one embodiment, the overlying layer of material may comprisea nonwoven web, such as a spunbond web.

In this embodiment, the signaling device may include conductiveterminals that comprise a hook-type material as shown in FIG. 7. Thehook-type terminals may be configured to attach to the layer of materialthat covers the pad members. The layer of material, however, may besufficiently porous to allow the individual hooks not only to engage thelayer but also to penetrate through the layer and make an electricalconnection with the conductive pad members. Thus, in this embodiment,the terminals on the signaling device attach to a nonconductive layer ina manner that still provides an electrical connection with theconductive pad members.

Referring to FIG. 9, still another embodiment of an attachment mechanismin accordance with the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,each of the conductive pad members 104 and 102 are electricallyconnected to a prong receiving member 124 and 126 respectively. Asshown, the signaling device 110 includes corresponding prongs 116 and118 that serve as the first and second terminals. The prongs 116 and 118are configured to snap in place into the prong receiving members 124 and126.

In one embodiment, the prong receiving members 124 and 126 may belocated below one or more layers of material. The prongs 116 and 118disposed on the signaling device 110, on the other hand, are configuredto pierce the overlying layers of material in order to form anelectrical connection with the prong receiving members.

Alternatively, openings may be formed in the overlying material so thatthe prongs 116 and 118 may be inserted through the openings in theoverlying material and engage the prong receiving members 124 and 126.It should be understood that, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9,the prong receiving members and the prongs may have any suitable shapein order to attach together. For example, the present disclosure isintended to cover any suitable male-female connections.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of an attachment mechanism thatmay be used to attach a signaling device to the open circuit containedin the absorbent article is shown. In this embodiment, the signalingdevice 110 comprises a first plate 130 spaced from a second plate 132.More particularly, an end of the first plate 130 is pivotally connectedto an end of the second plate 132 about a hinge 134.

In order to make an electrical connection with the conductive padmembers 104 and 106, the first plate 130 includes a pair of prongs thatserve as the first terminal 116 and the second terminal 118.

As shown in the drawing, the plates 130 and 132 of the signaling device110 are configured to be placed over an edge of the chassis and broughttogether such that the prongs 116 and 118 pierce the chassis and lockinto place. Specifically, the prongs 116 and 118 are intended to piercethe chassis where the pad members 104 and 106 are located in order tomake an electrical connection with the pad members. This embodimentprovides various advantages and benefits. In particular, in thisembodiment, the pad members 104 and 106 can be located at any positionwithin the chassis and still be contacted with the prongs 116 and 118.In this embodiment, the prongs 116 and 118 can pierce through the entirethickness of the chassis or may only partially penetrate the chassis inorder to make a connection with the pad members 104 and 106.

Referring to FIG. 6, still another embodiment of an absorbent assembly20 made in accordance with the present invention is shown. Likereference numerals have been used to indicate similar elements. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, in addition to the first conductiveelement 100 and the second conductive element 102, the absorbent articleincludes a third conductive element 150 and a fourth conductive element160. As illustrated, the first conductive element 100 extends the entirelength of the absorbent article. The second conductive element 102,however, is located primarily within the front region of the chassis.The third conductive element 150 passes through the front region and isprimarily located in the crotch region of the chassis. In particular, asshown, in the crotch region the third conductive element 150 forms alabrythine path.

Finally, the fourth conductive element 160 extends through the frontregion and the crotch region and then is primarily located in the backregion of the chassis. Again, in the back region, the fourth conductiveelement 160 forms a labrythine path.

Similar to the conductive elements 100 and 102, the third conductiveelement 150 is connected to a third conductive pad member 152, while thefourth conductive element 160 is connected to a fourth conductive padmember 162.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the additional conductiveelements are used for not only indicating the presence of a body fluidbut also indicating the location of the body fluid. For instance, if thebody fluid is located in the front region, the open circuit between thefirst conductive element 100 and the second conductive element 102 isclosed. If the body fluid is contained in the crotch region, on theother hand, the electric circuit formed between the third conductiveelement 150 and the first conductive element 100 becomes closed. Insimilar fashion, if the body fluid is located in the back region, thecircuit becomes closed between the fourth conductive element 160 and thefirst conductive element 100.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is intended to be placed inconjunction with a signaling device that includes four correspondingterminals for each of the four conductive pad members. The signalingdevice can then be configured to not only indicate when a body fluid ispresent but also indicate which circuits are closed, thus indicating thelocation of the body fluid in addition to its mere presence.

The remaining materials used to form the absorbent article 20 thatsurround the waist elastic members 54 and 56 may vary depending upon theparticular application and the particular product being produced.

The outer cover 40, for instance, may be breathable and/or may be liquidimpermeable. The outer cover 40 may be constructed of a single layer,multiple layers, laminates, spunbond fabrics, films, meltblown fabrics,elastic netting, microporous webs, bonded card webs or foams provided byelastomeric or polymeric materials. The outer cover 40, for instance,can be a single layer of a liquid impermeable material, or alternativelycan be a multi-layered laminate structure in which at least one of thelayers is liquid impermeable. In other embodiments, however, it shouldbe understood that the outer cover may be liquid permeable. In thisembodiment, for instance, the absorbent article may contain an interiorliquid barrier layer.

For instance, the outer cover 40 can include a liquid permeable outerlayer and a liquid impermeable inner layer that are suitably joinedtogether by a laminate adhesive, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or thelike. Suitable laminate adhesives, which can be applied continuously orintermittently as beads, a spray, parallel swirls, or the like, can beobtained from Bostik Findley Adhesives, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis.,U.S.A., or from National Starch and Chemical Company, Bridgewater, N.J.U.S.A. The liquid permeable outer layer can be any suitable material andis desirably one that provides a generally cloth-like texture. Oneexample of such a material is a 20 gsm (grams per square meter) spunbondpolypropylene nonwoven web. The outer layer may also be made of thosematerials of which the liquid permeable bodyside liner 42 is made.

The inner layer of the outer cover 40 can be both liquid and vaporimpermeable, or it may be liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. Theinner layer can be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although otherflexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used. The inner layer,or the liquid impermeable outer cover 40 when a single layer, preventswaste material from wetting articles, such as bed sheets and clothing,as well as the wearer and caregiver. A suitable liquid impermeable filmfor use as a liquid impermeable inner layer, or a single layer liquidimpermeable outer cover 40, is a 0.02 millimeter polyethylene filmcommercially available from Pliant Corporation of Schaumburg, Ill.,U.S.A.

The bodyside liner 42 is suitably compliant, soft-feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's skin. The bodyside liner 42 is alsosufficiently liquid permeable to permit liquid body exudates to readilypenetrate through its thickness to the absorbent structure 44. Asuitable bodyside liner 42 may be manufactured from a wide selection ofweb materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, aperturedplastic films, woven and non-woven webs, or a combination of any suchmaterials. For example, the bodyside liner 42 may include a meltblownweb, a spunbonded web, or a bonded-carded-web composed of naturalfibers, synthetic fibers or combinations thereof. The bodyside liner 42may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and thehydrophobic material may optionally be treated with a surfactant orotherwise processed to impart a desired level of wettability andhydrophilicity.

The absorbent structure 44 may be disposed between the outer cover 40and the bodyside liner 42. The absorbent structure 44 can be anystructure or combination of components which are generally compressible,conformable, non-irritating to a wearer's skin, and capable of absorbingand retaining liquids and certain body wastes. For example, theabsorbent structure 44 may include an absorbent web material ofcellulosic fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers), other natural fibers,synthetic fibers, woven or nonwoven sheets, scrim netting or otherstabilizing structures, superabsorbent material, binder materials,surfactants, selected hydrophobic materials, pigments, lotions, odorcontrol agents or the like, as well as combinations thereof. In aparticular aspect, the absorbent web material is a matrix of cellulosicfluff and superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles. The cellulosicfluff may include a blend of wood pulp fluff. One preferred type offluff is identified with the trade designation CR 1654, available fromBowater of Greenville, S.C., USA, and is a bleached, highly absorbentsulfate wood pulp containing primarily southern soft wood fibers. Theabsorbent materials may be formed into a web structure by employingvarious conventional methods and techniques. For example, the absorbentweb may be formed with a dry-forming technique, an air formingtechnique, a wet-forming technique, a foam-forming technique, or thelike, as well as combinations thereof. Methods and apparatus forcarrying out such techniques are well known in the art. Furthermore, theabsorbent structure may itself encompass multiple layers in the Zdirection. Such multiple layers may take advantage of differences inabsorbency capacity, such as by placing a lower capacity absorbentmaterial layer closer to the liner 42 and a higher capacity absorbentmaterial closer to the outer cover layer 40. Likewise, discrete portionsof an absorbent single-layered structure may encompass higher capacityabsorbents, and other discrete portions of the structure may encompasslower capacity absorbents.

As a general rule, the superabsorbent material is present in theabsorbent web in an amount of from about 0 to about 90 weight percentbased on total weight of the web. The web may have a density within therange of about 0.10 to about 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter.

Superabsorbent materials are well known in the art and can be selectedfrom natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials.The superabsorbent materials can be inorganic materials, such as silicagels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. Typically, asuperabsorbent material is capable of absorbing at least about 10 timesits weight in liquid, and desirably is capable of absorbing more thanabout 25 times its weight in liquid. Suitable superabsorbent materialsare readily available from various suppliers. For example, SXM 9394, andFavor 9543 superabsorbents are available from DeGussa Superabsorbers.

After being formed or cut into a desired shape, the absorbent webmaterial may be wrapped or encompassed by a suitable tissue or meltblownweb or the like wrap sheet that aids in maintaining the integrity andshape of the absorbent structure 44.

The absorbent web material may also be a coform material. The term“coform material” generally refers to composite materials comprising amixture or stabilized matrix of thermoplastic fibers and a secondnon-thermoplastic material. As an example, coform materials may be madeby a process in which at least one meltblown die head is arranged near achute through which other materials are added to the web while it isforming. Such other materials may include, but are not limited to,fibrous organic materials such as woody or non-woody pulp such ascotton, rayon, recycled paper, pulp fluff and also superabsorbentparticles, inorganic absorbent materials, treated polymeric staplefibers and the like. Any of a variety of synthetic polymers may beutilized as the melt-spun component of the coform material. Forinstance, in certain aspects, thermoplastic polymers can be utilized.Some examples of suitable thermoplastics that can be utilized includepolyolefins, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene and thelike; polyamides; and polyesters. In one aspect, the thermoplasticpolymer is polypropylene. Some examples of such coform materials aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,100,324 to Anderson, et al.; 5,284,703 toEverhart, et al.; and 5,350,624 to Georger, et al.; which areincorporated herein by reference to the extent they are consistent(i.e., not in conflict) herewith.

These and other modifications and variations to the present inventionmay be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which ismore particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, itshould be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may beinterchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is byway of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention sofurther described in such appended claims.

1. An absorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising an outer coverhaving an interior surface and an exterior surface and an absorbentstructure positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover,the chassis including a crotch region positioned in between a frontregion and a back region, the front region and the back region defininga waist region therebetween; first and second conductive elementscontained in the chassis, the conductive elements extending from thewaist region to the crotch region without intersecting, the first andsecond conductive elements forming part of a circuit that is configuredto sense the presence of a substance; and a first conductive pad memberelectrically connected to the first conductive element and a secondconductive pad member electrically connected to the second conductiveelement, the conductive pad members being positioned below at least onelayer of material of the chassis, the conductive pad members each beingconfigured to electrically connect to a signaling device through the atleast one layer of material, and wherein, when the substance is presenta signaling device attached to the conductive pad members is activated.2. An absorbent article as defined in claim 1, wherein the first padmember and the second pad member comprise a conductive nonwovenmaterial.
 3. An absorbent article as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst pad member and the second pad member comprise a conductive wovenmaterial.
 4. An absorbent article as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst pad member and the second pad member comprise a conductive filmmaterial or a conductive ink.
 5. An absorbent article as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a signaling device including a firstterminal and a second terminal that are electrically connected to thefirst and second conductive pad members respectively.
 6. An absorbentarticle as defined in claim 5, wherein the first and second terminalscomprise a conductive hook-like material that attaches to the outercover of the chassis and contacts the respective pad members.
 7. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 6, wherein the pad memberscomprise a conductive film and the outer cover of the chassis comprisesa spunbond web that is configured to attach to the hook-like material ona signaling device.
 8. An absorbent article as defined in claim 5,wherein the first and second terminals comprise a pair of opposingplates that include a pair of conductive prongs, the opposing platesbeing pivotally connected together such that the plates can be placedover an edge of the chassis and brought together causing the prongs topenetrate through at least a portion of the chassis and make anelectrical connection to the first and second conductive pad membersrespectively.
 9. An absorbent article as defined in claim 5, whereineach pad member is connected to a conductive tab, and wherein the firstand second terminals on the signaling device comprise slots, the slotsbeing configured to receive the conductive tabs for making an electricalconnection between the signaling device and the first and second padmembers.
 10. An absorbent article as defined in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second conductive elements comprise a conductive thread or aconductive foil.
 11. An absorbent article as defined in claim 5, whereinthe signaling device produces an audible signal, a visible signal, orvibrates when activated.
 12. An absorbent article as defined in claim 5,wherein the signaling device comprises a transmitter containing thefirst terminal and the second terminal that are electrically connectedto the first and second conductive pad members, and a receiver, andwherein, the transmitter sends a wireless signal to the receiver whichproduces an audible or visible signal to a user when the signalingdevice is activated.
 13. An absorbent article as defined in claim 1,further comprising a third conductive element that extends into the backregion of the chassis and a fourth conductive element that extends intothe front region of the chassis, the third conductive element beingelectrically connected to a third conductive pad member, while thefourth conductive element being electrically connected to a fourthconductive pad member, the absorbent article further comprising asignaling device that includes four terminals for attachment to each ofthe respective pad members, and wherein when the substance is present inthe crotch region of the chassis, the first and second conductiveelements form a closed circuit, when the substance is present in theback region of the chassis, the first and third conductive elements forma closed circuit, and when the substance is present in the front region,the fourth conductive element forms a closed circuit with the firstconductive element, the signaling device being configured to not onlyindicate when the substance is present in the chassis, but also toindicate which circuits have closed.
 14. An absorbent article as definedin claim 1, wherein the first conductive pad member and the secondconductive pad member each have a surface area of at least 2 cm².
 15. Anabsorbent article comprising: a chassis comprising an outer cover havingan interior surface and an exterior surface and an absorbent structurepositioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, the chassisincluding a crotch region positioned in between a front region and aback region, the front region and the back region defining a waistregion therebetween; first and second conductive elements contained inthe chassis, the conductive elements extending from the waist region tothe crotch region without intersecting, the first and second conductiveelements forming part of a circuit that is configured to sense thepresence of a substance; and a first conductive pad member electricallyconnected to the first conductive element and a second conductive padmember electrically connected to the second conductive element, each ofthe conductive pad members comprising a loop-type material, theconductive pad members being configured to be electrically connected toa signaling device and wherein, when the substance is present, asignaling device attached to the pad members is activated.
 16. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 15, wherein the pad memberscomprise a conductive nonwoven material.
 17. An absorbent article asdefined in claim 15, wherein the pad members comprise a conductive wovenmaterial.
 18. An absorbent article as defined in claim 15, wherein theloop-type material comprises polymer fibers doped with a conductivematerial.
 19. An absorbent article as defined in claim 18, wherein theconductive material comprises carbon.
 20. An absorbent article asdefined in claim 15, wherein the loop-type material contains metalfibers.
 21. An absorbent article as defined in claim 15, wherein theloop-type material is sputter coated with a conductive material.
 22. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 15, further comprising a signalingdevice including a first terminal and a second terminal, the firstterminal and the second terminal being electrically connected to thefirst pad member and the second pad member respectively.
 23. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 22, wherein the first terminal andthe second terminal each comprise a conductive hook-type material. 24.An absorbent article as defined in claim 23, wherein the first padmember and the second pad member are positioned below at least one layerof material of the chassis, the at least one layer of material beingsufficiently porous to allow the first terminal and the second terminalto attach to the first pad member and the second pad memberrespectively.
 25. An absorbent article as defined in claim 15, whereinthe first and second conductive elements comprise a conductive thread ora conductive foil.
 26. An absorbent article as defined in claim 22,wherein the signaling device produces an audible signal.
 27. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 22, wherein the signaling devicecomprises a transmitter containing the first terminal and the secondterminal that are electrically connected to the first and secondconductive pad members and a receiver, and wherein, the transmittersends a wireless signal to the receiver which produces an audible orvisible signal to a user when the signaling device is activated.
 28. Anabsorbent article as defined in claim 15, further comprising a thirdconductive element that extends into the back region of the chassis anda fourth conductive element that extends into the front region of thechassis, the third conductive element being electrically connected to athird conductive pad member, while the fourth conductive element beingelectrically connected to a fourth conductive pad member, the absorbentarticle further comprising a signaling device that includes fourterminals for attachment to each of the respective pad members, andwherein when the substance is present in the crotch region of thechassis, the first and second conductive elements form a closed circuit,when the substance is present in the back region of the chassis, thefirst and third conductive elements form a closed circuit, and when thesubstance is present in the front region, the fourth conductive elementforms a closed circuit with the first conductive element, the signalingdevice being configured to not only indicate when the substance ispresent in the chassis, but also to indicate which circuits have closed.29. An absorbent article as defined in claim 15, wherein the first andsecond conductive elements form an open circuit and wherein, when a bodyfluid is present between the first and second conductive elements, theopen circuit between the conductive elements is closed for activating asignaling device.
 30. An absorbent article comprising: a chassiscomprising an outer cover having an interior surface and an exteriorsurface and an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interiorsurface of the outer cover, the chassis including a crotch regionpositioned in between a front region and a back region, the front regionand the back region defining a waist region therebetween; first andsecond conductive elements contained in the chassis, the conductiveelements extending from the waist region to the crotch region withoutintersecting, the first and second conductive elements forming part of acircuit that is configured to sense the presence of a substance; a firstconductive pad member electrically connected to the first conductiveelement and a second conductive pad member electrically connected to thesecond conductive element; and a signaling device that is intended toconnect to the first conductive pad member and to the second conductivepad member, the signaling device including a first terminal and a secondterminal, each terminal comprising a prong, the prongs being configuredto pass through at least one layer of material of the chassis whenconnecting to the first conductive pad member and the second conductivepad member respectively.